The Protector and the
Defender of the rights of downtrodden, Imam Ali (a.s.) had left an unusual and
exemplary mark on human history by his humane behavior toward his enemies. John
J. Pool, historian says in his book, “Studies in Muhamadanism”; “Truly a noble
man, a man of righteousness, and a brave man, forgiving spirit.” Oelsner, a
French orientalist, says about Imam Ali (a.s.), “Pure, gentle and learned,
without fear and without reproach, setting the noble example of character to
the world.”
Out of hundreds of
examples of kindness and mercy exhibited by Imam Ali (a.s.) toward his enemy, some
of them are:
Talha bin Abi Talha
was an arch-enemy of Islam. He was the flag bearer of the infidels in the
Battle of Uhad. Imam Ali (a.s.) gave him a blow of his sword and he fell but
not dead yet. Imam Ali (a.s.) walked away without killing him. Many Muslim
warriors ran up to Imam Ali (a.s.) and advised him to kill Talha. Imam Ali
(a.s.) replied, “He cannot defend himself now, and I cannot strike a man who
cannot defend himself. If he survives he is welcome to live as long as his life
lasts.”
During the Battle of
Jamal, his slave Qambar brought some soft drink and said, “Master, sun is very
hot and you are constantly fighting, have this drink to refresh yourself.” Imam Ali (a.s.) looked around and said, “Shall I refresh myself when hundreds of
people are lying wounded and dying of thirst and wounds? Give this drink to
some of the wounded persons” Qambar replied, “But they are our enemies.” Imam
Ali (a.s.) said, “But they are human beings!”
In the Battle of
Siffin, Muawiya’s forces captured the banks of river Euphrates and refused to
allow Imam Ali (a.s.)’s forces to take water. Imam Ali (a.s.) sent a messenger
saying that it was against the canons of humanity and Islam. Muawiya’s reply
was, “A war is a war; hence one cannot accept principles of humanity and the
doctrines of Islam. My sole aim is to kill Ali and to demoralize his army and
this stoppage of water will bring about these results quickly and easily.” Imam Ali (a.s.) sent Imam Husayn (a.s.) to retake the river and it was captured. It
was Muawiya turn to beseech to get permission to get water. Imam Ali (a.s.)
told them take as much water as they want. When Imam Ali (a.s.)’ officers
objected. Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “They are human beings, though they acted
inhumanly, yet I cannot follow their example and refuse water because they are
my sworn enemy!”
In the Battle of
Nahrawan, Imam Ali (a.s.) was fighting like any other soldier when a man faced him
and in the encounter lost his sword. Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Runaway friend you
are not in apposition to defend yourself. The man said, “Why don’t you kill me?”
Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “I cannot strike a man who cannot defend himself. You
were begging for your life and it was spared” The man said, “I was told that
you have never refused a beggar, now I beg of your sword.” The Imam gave him
the sword. Taking the sword in hand he said, “Now Ali, who is going to defend
you from me?” Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “Of course, Allah will defend me if He
so wills! He has appointed my death to be my guardian angel, no one can harm me
before it is due and no one can save me when it arrives!” Nobility of thought
and action affected his foe and he kissed the bridle of Imam’s horse and said, “O
Master! You are a great man indeed. You can not only forsake the life of your
enemy in the battlefield but also grant your sword. May I have the honor to act
as your body guard and fight for you?” Imam Ali (a.s.) replied, “Friend, fight
for truth and justice and don’t fight for individuals.”
On the night of 19 Ramzan,
when his assassin was brought before him, the Imam saw that the rope which was
bounding him was so tightly tied that it was piercing his flesh. Imam Ali
(a.s.) told the Muslims, “You should not be so cruel with your fellow-beings,
slacken his ropes and decrease his agony.” Further, when some sherbet was
brought for Imam Ali (a.s.), he ordered that it may be given to his assassin!
Source: Seraj.net/Fourteen Infallible
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